Tapestry weaves tale of Declaration of Arbroath

2,000 hours of needlework to create 700th anniversary piece

After almost 2,000 hours of needle work, the final stitches of the Arbroath Tapestry have been sewn by a skilled group of embroiderers to complete a showpiece element of the Arbroath 2020 celebrations

The intricate, three-panel tapestry has now been handed over to the safekeeping of Historic Environment Scotland where it was unveiled at a special reception at the Scottish Parliament.

The tapestry will be on long-term display in Arbroath Abbey from early April to coincide with the 700-year anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath.

Linda Walker, one of the nine-strong team of embroidery and textile artists who worked on the spectacular piece said: “We created the Arbroath Tapestry for the people of Arbroath so it’s only fitting it will be displayed for all to see within our town’s historic Abbey during the Arbroath 2020 commemorations and beyond.”

The Declaration of Arbroath is a letter sent from Scotland’s nobles to Pope John in Avignon on April 6 1320.

Widely acknowledged as one of Scotland’s most important documents, the 700th anniversary of the declaration has inspired Arbroath 2020, a sixmonth programme of special events.

Alex Paterson, chief executive of Historic Environment Scotland, who manage Arbroath Abbey, said: “This amazing piece of craftsmanship not only tells the story of the Declaration of Arbroath but also covers key moments in the history of the abbey right up to the present day.

“It also shows how the people of Arbroath are working together to celebrate the extraordinary history of their town and its abbey.”

Angus South SNP MSP Graeme Dey, who hosted the Holyrood event, said: “The painstaking work, stretching to almost 2,000 hours in total, on the part of Linda Walker and her team has produced a stunning tapestry which memorably captures the history of the declaration and all it stands for.”

The artwork’s three richly-coloured panels were designed by Andrew Crummy, designer of the Great Tapestry of Scotland.

The central panel portrays Robert the Bruce and Abbot Bernard of Arbroath writing the declaration, with the two smaller panels representing the role and influence of the abbey within the town.

Linda said: “William I, founder of the abbey, is depicted in one panel, along with a fisherwoman, highlighting the importance of the local fishing industry.”

The tapestry is decorated with Arbroath’s unique Oslin apples, introduced to the area by the Abbey’s monks, and 46 seals of the barons who “signed” the Declaration of Arbroath.

From left: Linda Walker, Pat Beaton, Jeanette Nairn and Anne Marie Bray – four of the nine-strong team – with the Tapestry of Arbroath.